- Trump Dominance: The former president's absence didn't wane his influence on the party, as he remained the center of many discussions.
- Messy Crosstalk: Candidates and moderators often spoke over each other, making it difficult for viewers to follow.
- Spicy Exchanges: Notable moments included Nikki Haley's sharp words for Vivek Ramaswamy and a feud between Tim Scott and Haley.
The Trump Shadow
Trump's strategy of avoiding the debates didn't hurt his position as a strong contender.
While a few shots were taken at Trump's absence and his time as president, many candidates treaded carefully due to Trump's positive standing among GOP voters. Trump is expected to miss the next debate as well.
Lost in Translation
The debate was marked by frequent interruptions and crosstalk, making it difficult for candidates to effectively convey their messages. Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley tried to avoid getting entangled in the chaos but had mixed results.
Memorable Confrontations
- Tim Scott confronted Nikki Haley over alleged extravagant curtain expenses during her time as US ambassador.
- Candidates, especially Scott, repeatedly targeted tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy with accusations of connections to China.
DeSantis' Mixed Bag
While DeSantis started slow, he ended on a strong note, emphasizing that voters, not polls, determine elections. He critiqued Trump's absence and challenged him for a one-on-one debate.
Touching on Sensitive Topics
Towards the debate's end, questions around outreach to Latino voters brought varied responses from Mike Pence and Tim Scott. The topic of abortion received limited attention, despite its potential significance for voters.
Who won? Watch the full debate and decide for yourself.
While the second GOP debate was chaotic, it offered glimpses into the candidates' strategies and positions as they vie for the Republican nomination. The road to the 2024 elections promises to be eventful.